Hyundai unveils CVVD engine technology

Hyundai Motor Group has developed Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology to feature in future Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

CVVD valve control technology regulates the duration of valve opening and closing according to driving conditions, achieving, Hyundai says, a 4 per cent boost in performance and a 5 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency. Emissions are claimed to be cut by 12 per cent.

When the vehicle is maintaining a constant speed and requires low engine output, CVVD opens the intake valve from the middle to end of the compression stroke. This, Hyundai says, helps to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the resistance caused by compression. When engine output is high, such as when the car is driving at a high speed, the intake valve is closed at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximise the amount of air used for the explosion, enhancing torque to improve acceleration.

“The development of the CVVD technology is a good example how Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening our powertrain technology,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research and Development Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “We will continue our innovation efforts to bring forth paradigm shifts and ensure sustainability of our business model.”

Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi Engine

Hyundai’s new Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi Engine, a V4 gasoline turbo unit with 134kW and 265Nm of torque is the first to use the Group’s CVVD technology and also features Low-Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (LP EGR) to further optimise fuel efficiency.

The low-pressure system redirects the burnt emission gas to the front of the turbocharger compressor, rather than the intake system, to increase efficiency under the high load condition.

The new Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine will be applied in the Hyundai Sonata Turbo, which is set for introduction in the second half of this year. This premiere will mark the first in a series of new Hyundai and Kia vehicles featuring the engine.